The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-08-13
, THE BEATITUDCS.
EXPLANATORY NOTES BY REV. r.
S. M'ARTHuR D. D.

| AeNt OF inc Lesson, Mhtt. W A-Ao
Golden Text, John 1. II.
vi The Multtudes-That Is the grea
multitudes or crowds mentioned In the las
verse of the previous chapter. which, strictly
speaking, is part of this narrative. Went w
This does not imply customary action, but
he went up on this casion. The origina
says the mountain, but what one it may no,
be easy for us to ascertain Perhaps it was O
mountain region rather than distinct noun
tain. We know that it WAS in the neighbor
hood of Capernaum. The tradition which
names the Horns Of Hattin two SUBMITS neal
| together) as the mountain, cannot be traced
| further back than the Thirteenth century.
This mountain is between Tabor and Tiberias
and is seven miles southwest Of Capernaum.
When he was set -Among the Orientals,
teachers, as well as workmen and others who
stand among us, usually sit while engaged in
their regular employment. Disciples-Pupils,
scholars; the term is applied 10 the twelve
apostles and also to all Christs followers.
There were those following him in the inner
circle and those in the outer circle to whom
the term isappled.
V. .. Opened his mouth-This expression
has always arrested attention. II is not mean
ingless; it is not simply IA statement that he
began to teach. 1t is rather an Oriental
form of expression, indicating the beginning
of formal authoritative and solemn dis
course. Some have supposed that it is here
placed over against his former silence, but the
Interpretation we have given is in harmony
both with CLASH al and scriptural usage.
Taught.-This great fact is to be emphasized.
The teacher of men is the king of men.
Ideas rule the world. Christi teachings ara
the profoundest, purest and sublimest the
world has ever known.
Y. s. We now come to the sermon proper.
A benediction was the first word of this peer
less discourse. All men desire to know the
secret of happiness, Here it may be found.
This first word must have caught the ear and
thrilled the heart of every nearer. Blessed
This word means happy rather than blessed,
although We may not be willing to make the
substitution. There is another Greek word
in the New Testament which strictly means
blessed, and which is appropriately applied TO
God. Poor in spirit. Those who are con.
scious of spiritual poverty, the lowly nheart.
the spiritually weak, dependent and trustful
Many men look upon the possession of wealth
as an evidence of the favor II God. Christ
teaches different truth. This benediction
belongs to the poor in spirit, whether they are
rich or poor in this worlds goods There is
no reflection on wealth, there is no necessary
of poverty, in this connections
All depends upon the spirit Of the person who
is rich or poor.
V. 4. They that mourn.-There MAJ, be
sorrow which brings no blessings-the sor-
! IL, 18Th
those who sincerely mourn under provdential
may claim this blessing. Those
Who sorrow penitently for their sins, who !
,rus.fulIy long for Christ's presence-thcse |
IRE the happy ones. Their comfort is certain; |
heir sins shall assuredly be forgiven; grace |
shall be bestowed, end Christ's presence en-
ioysd. ~ is strange paradox when we say,
Happy are they that mourn" That we |
link 1t strange may be ali evidence Of its |
ruth. Christ thus colrec:s another common
mistake.
v. The mccls.-Thcse ere the gentle, long
torSiving They avoid ell osten,a-
ion. They lavo meek md quiet spirit
7hich is Of Great price. Tho promise is that
hey shall inherit the earth.
Y. c. Hunger end thirst.-As men lorg de
rived O: food crd drink hunger and thirst
o. .Icm, co Go these here mentioned desire
j. htoousucss. Righteousness. is holi.
cas Of heart end rishtncss of life, likeness to
rod. Those who long for this blessing shall
. filed. Tho longing for Righteousness in
icNtcs the presence OF Righteousness. They
lall enjoy tho blessing of Christ's righteous
css impaired to them end possessed by them.
no who have this spiritual hunger and
lirgt sh,.ll be filed, whether they are rich or
COR in this worlds goods.
v. Tho ncrciful. They are those Who
,cl CyElpatliy with the distressed. They also
nike efforts 10 remove the miseries of men.
hey Shall obtcin mercy.-True compass
onato love in the heart shows that Gods
ercy Cld -~avor are in TINT heart. To re-
i've forgiveness VIC must bcstow forgive
SIS. a fc~.-.ivins disposition prccedes tho
;pe,'icnco Of forgiveness.
Y. g. The puro il hccrt.-This rracc is c
ui5 OF the Gpri5 OF God rho heart CT such !
SONS is FREQ from i..,cn.!oucl impurities
nero will be 81 absence CT c! vnc!canne,s in
lcriptuval ccnsc, although to meaning is
1t limited 20 chastity. Lyooc.i-v, deceit
nj fclschool ciall be strangers t. tLo puroiu &
art IAis statement Of C.Tist'G colvects
G idea tLat tho cunninI, tae ci2rp, tho !
c..ca, &C. TIC rrCcrccous cLd aucccs.- III il i
c. Shall sec COJ.--lii i To Ii hest La'l- !
ness. Commentators and L,JU.iaug remind [
that !iN|s IL Ca.tlll countries wee 10, :
II TONED ct,cn u show themselves % TIC ,
op,c Ino-o Who lad Tie privilege &C ca c
ZINC tA2 royal palace cr3 C1eHiJ.l 6 {
hose taat &c tie Kings faco." LcA.c Coo :
IS We gro pure le.a and nov. {
'v Tie pure Ccl c-2 bin |!